Gavin Wallace didn't become a full-time pitcher until his senior year at Madison High School. Even after three seasons at Fairfield (Conn.) University, Wallace knew he still had a lot to learn.

Almost everything has changed during his second pro season. After spending his rookie year adjusting to the way Pittsburgh players do things, Wallace is "a totally different pitcher" for the Class-A West Virginia Power.

"I'm evolving as a pitcher," said Wallace, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-hander. "You can get better by playing catch, learning other teams' hitters, talking with catchers. I'm finally realizing that. It's more than throwing a baseball. It's thinking like a pitcher."

Teammate and road roommate Matt Seelinger highlighted Wallace's preparation, studying opposing hitters and taking notes. Wallace went unbeaten in his first 12 starts, registering five victories. He credited his teammates' run support, as well as solid fielding behind him. Rather than being "a little bit stubborn," Wallace has also trusted catcher Deon Stafford to control the game more than he did last year.

Wallace somewhat compares himself with Boston starter Rick Porcello of Chester, in the way he challenges opponents to hit his sinker and relies on his defense to deal with the resulting ground balls. Wallace is 5-1 with a 3.59 ERA in 62 ⅔ innings. His walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP) is an outstanding 0.99, and opponents are batting .222 against him.

Wallace still relies on his fastball, but acknowledges he doesn't have the velocity to get most pros out. He has developed "a sinker I can use in any count" and an occasional changeup.

"(Rick Porcello) is going to say, 'Hit this if you can,'" Wallace said. "I've had that mindset my entire career. … Throw a strike, and see what they can do with it. If they hit it, go on to the next guy, and he won't."

Said Seelinger, a right-handed reliever, "His poise on the mound is unbelievable. It's so much fun to watch."

Gavin Wallace of Madison is a right-handed starter for the West Virginia Power.(Photo: Courtesy of Sam Santilli/West Virginia Power)

Wallace has one particularly unusual habit for a minor-league baseball player: waking up early. On road trips, Wallace and Seelinger – and lefty Blake Weiman, before he got called up to Bradenton – usually wake up around 9 a.m. and get breakfast. They might nap after that, before stretching and grabbing lunch before heading to the ballpark. That ritual is part of what brought them together, in addition to tri-state area roots.

"What's awesome is we're both pitchers, so when we room together we're on the same page," Seelinger said. "Whenever he's starting, I always say, 'Whatever you want to do, we'll do.' It's his day. Whatever time he wants to get food, whatever he wants to do, I'll go with him. I try to make it as easy as possible for him. He's got his routine down pat."